Cavalier Poems

I like the cavalier poems because I like that they are relatively straight forward. Of course, the poems can still contain deeper meaning, but for the most part, I think they are what they are. Like in class today, I disagreed with some of my peers’ interpretation of “To Lucasta, on Going to the Wars”. I understand where some of them might have seen a battle of love between one another or some sort of love triangle, but it just does not add up. To me, Lovelace is clearly declaring his love for war as greater than his love for his lover. I just do not think that there is more to really say. It is beautifully written, and the idea is interesting and captivating, but in my opinion, it is not meant to be looked at too deeply. Some poems are written to be witty and straightforward and not all poems necessarily need to be scrutinized so severely to where it changes the poet’s original meaning. Well that is how I see it anyway. I like the reoccurring theme of “Carpe Diem”. I know that the phrase can be used in destructive ways, but in life, I have found this quote to be incredibly important. When I think about it, the most spontaneous and sporadic things that I have done have been some of my best memories. Like I said, some people (such as many of the poets we have studied) tend to take this saying a little out of hand. But all in all, taking advantage of every opportunity is a great way to live. The people only thinking of the future might forget to live in the present. Every second is a gift and nobody knows what life will bring. You might as well live life to the fullest because tomorrow is not definite. The bird imagery used throughout some of the poems is a cool concept. Birds migrate with the seasons, almost as if they carry time or something. Also, they shed their feathers as if starting anew. Furthermore, birds chirp in the morning and owls hoot at night. For centuries, people depended on birds for a wake up call… it is interesting to think that birds are programmed to be our natural alarm clock and also clock. Birds are also fast and they do not live particularly long. Likewise, time is rapid and the more time has been spent, the less a person has to live. By living minute by minute, one is keeping up with time. But unfortunately, it is easy to let time’s rapid pace pass us by. So, I guess the term “time flies” is appropriately deemed. Overall, I’m enjoying this segment of poetry although I find it difficult to discuss for too long of a time. I suppose most poems can be looked at more deeply, but I feel like these are meant to personally relate to the individual reading them. So, no analysis can really capture how one is personally affected by it.

The Epic of Calliope

Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides, is so far a captivating read. The content is rather controversial and unique which makes it a book that is incredibly difficult to put down. I like how Eugenides has the main character be the narrator as well. Cal’s story telling makes the novel scientifically informative and all the while entertaining. It is interesting how he goes all the way back to his grandparents to discuss the beginnings of his mutation. Cal seems like a great guy. He has gone through the entire trauma one can surely take in a life, yet he talks almost light heartedly. I suppose with his situation one almost has to take it light heartedly. His story of his grandparents is intriguing and incredibly disturbing…  I do not get squeamish about much. I can handle the whole hermaphrodite ordeal, but incest… It is hard to swallow. Although, it is cool to see the roots of his family just because it makes the novel more intimate and it has certainly made me attached to their Greek family heritage. Although his grandparent’s situation is bizarre, the way that Cal tells the story also makes it semi understandable. It is still very difficult for me to wrap my head around it, but the entire chapter based solely on explaining the chain of events helps me slightly grasp the concept. Regardless, it is pretty weird. But anyways, I am still trying to figure out why his brother is named Chapter Eleven. Hmmm.. Also, Calliope is the muse of epic poetry in Greek Mythology. She apparently always carries around a tablet and is the wisest of the Muses. She is supposedly also the inspiration of the Odyssey and Iliad. So, it seems that the main character, Calliope or Cal, is very intelligent. This is already evident. The first couple of pages make him sound as if he is a science experiment. So, Cal is exposed to the various depths and complexities of science which thus suggests that he is educated far beyond his years. Also, the fact that the Greek Muse Calliope created the most famous epic adventures suggests that Cal will be enduring an adventure of his own. As a hermaphrodite, I would certainly think that his life would be an adventure. “Adventure” suggests over coming obstacles, achieving tasks, and discovering something new. Maybe Middlesex will do just that. Furthermore, Calliope may have been the lover of a war god. In parallel, I am certain that Cal’s condition creates a war amongst society and his friends and family. Lastly, “Calliope” means “beautiful voiced”. Just as Calliope the Greek Muse told poetry, Cal is eloquently telling his story. Perhaps his name means “beautiful-voice” because he is a voice of reason and intrigue. I am not sure what all will happen in this novel, but I am sure it will include times of trial and harshness. But, by barely even reading the novel it is apparent that he has overcome his obstacles and is living to tell his epic. 

Gatsby and such

Today in class I realized that I would be happy to read any of the lit-circle book choices. I’m looking forward to reading something enjoyable but also with literary value. It was cool to see how the opening couple pages really do reveal so much about a book. Like you said, we definitely have become better readers. Now I do not know if I can read a book or watch a movie without attempting to analyze it… This is somewhat concerning to me. It is safe to say that your teaching is rubbing off on us. I think that all of us are AP-litting things we never imagined we would. I think over the summer I will try to read all of the books that you listed because they all seem like they will be beneficial to have read for college, and they sound interesting. Also, I started to do my part of the major works chart and quickly remembered how much I like The Great Gatsby. I think I enjoy it so much because I am intrigued by the twenties. I just like the fact that the twenties were so rebellious and everything seemed so glamorous. When I picture the upper class described in The Great Gatsby, I imagine them all to be incredibly attractive. Nick definitely has swag. The guy is level headed, relatively wealthy, and in my mind, attractive. Gatsby is a bit of a mess, but hey, he throws some killer parties. Tom is a jerk but still ends up with Daisy, so props to him. Overall, these men create quite the prime cast of 1920’s men. Also, The Great Gatsby includes everything anybody could ever want in a book: infidelities, illegal actions, crazy parties, amazing fashion, murder, and mystery. It’s the whole package! It is also a short and quick read. I like the fact that it can be read for enjoyment or looked at in a much deeper meaning. Salinger really exemplifies the likely results of having too great of dreams. Americans have the sense that anything is possible, which I guess it is to a degree, but it is important to keep reality in mind. The characters of The Great Gatsby deeply experience the consequences of avoiding responsibilities and realities. Salinger throws several social criticisms into a seemingly light and entertaining read which is why the book is so brilliant. Overall, The Great Gatsby totally drew me into the story. While I read, I could picture everything so vividly and I felt like I knew all of the characters. I’m glad we had to do a chart on an old book that we have read because it now makes me want to re-read some of the earlier books I read in high school. I am sure I will notice so much more and I will undoubtedly appreciate the novel more. I guess I am going to have a lot to read this summer.